Not too different from the human one, the ideal diet for dogs is substantially omnivorous, as shown by studies on the dietary needs and dietary habits of today's canids living in the wild.
In order to avoid getting lost in the usual debates on what is best to put in the bowl of trust, between solid foods consumed in the family and special industrial products, to establish which is the optimal diet for the dog, it is first of all necessary to know the nutritional needs of the animal.
Equally important is the use of common sense; it is obvious, for example, that avoiding croquettes and the like fearing the poor health of raw materials, and then basing the dog's diet on waste from the canteen or supermarkets, represents a harmful behavior for the animal health.
After this necessary premise, we just have to proceed in stages by examining the rules for a healthy dog diet in the various stages of life.
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On the other hand, it is necessary to report to the veterinarian the possible appearance of symptoms such as continuous crying, poor reactivity and weight growth below the guidelines (a puppy should increase by 2-4 grams per day for each kg of the average adult weight; if example, it is estimated that when it is fully grown it will weigh about 15 kg, in the first five months of life it should increase its weight by 30-60 grams per day).
Artificial milk
When the vet notices that the puppy's weight is not increasing enough, he may suggest milk feeding support.
In this regard, or in the case of orphaned puppies or mothers unable to feed them, it should be borne in mind that bitch's milk is much more concentrated and rich in proteins, calories, fats, calcium and phosphorus than cow's milk.
On the market, therefore, there are special formulations of milk adapted to the needs of puppies.
Weaning
Third week of life
The start of the weaning of a healthy dog occurs around the third week of life, or the fourth for dwarf breeds; this is, in fact, the period in which the young animal begins to actively explore the environment that surrounds it.
The transition to a solid diet should not be abrupt, but progressive. In the early stages of weaning we recommend special preparations for puppies, chopped and softened with water (one part of dry food together with three parts of water or two parts of canned food for each part of water). If the dog does not accept the new food, it is possible to encourage him by bringing a finger just dipped in the mixture to his lips.
Sixth week of life
After six weeks of life, the nutritional needs of the puppy must be satisfied for at least 25% by the weaning diet, which compared to the previous phases will include gradually coarser pieces and increasingly poorer mixtures of water (which will be supplied separately, with availability a libitum). In feeding the puppies, water must not be replaced by milk; as we have seen, in fact, the chemical composition of cow's milk is quite different from that of bitch's milk.
End of weaning
At seven to eight weeks of age, most dogs are considered weaned. However, it is advisable to avoid forced weaning, since the abrupt detachment from the mother and from the other elements of the litter could lead to nutritional deficiencies and behavioral disturbances in adulthood, as well as facilitating the appearance of breast engorgement in the bitch.
Feed for puppies
When choosing a puppy food it is good to opt for the one that is most suitable for the dog breed, administering it at the doses recommended by the manufacturer or the veterinarian.
An overeating in the growth phase, in fact, can be accompanied by an excessive weight increase with respect to bone development, with a consequent risk of osteo-articular pathologies.
This risk is especially valid for large and giant dogs, for which special formulations are available; it should also be borne in mind that these breeds reach adult body weight later (18-24th month) than small and pet breeds (6th-9th month).
Finally, remember that puppies, by their nature, are prone to play and movement, but the absence of peers, the lack of space and adequate stimuli, can promote early fattening with a high risk that overweight and obesity will accompany them throughout. life, even when eating is restrictive.
Meal frequency
Up to 4-6 months of age it is advisable to feed the puppy at least three times a day (4 during weaning), at regular intervals; after which it is possible to pass to the canonical two daily meals typical of adult dog nutrition.
However, if it is a nursing female or a working dog - given the increased energy needs, up to three - four times higher than a normal dog of similar size - to avoid giving too substantial meals, it is good to delay food. on at least three occasions a day.
A single meal in large and particularly voracious dogs can in fact represent a risk factor for the onset of stomach torsion, and favor the regurgitation of what is voraciously swallowed. The last meal of the day, in any case, should not be administered too late in the evening, as the animal may need to eliminate faeces and urine within hours of food intake.
